The First Week With Your New Puppy: A Gentle Roadmap
Day-by-day, what to expect and how to help your puppy settle in — from the car ride home to the first vet visit.
The first week sets the tone for years to come. Go slow, keep things calm, and let your puppy lead the pace of discovery.
Before they arrive
Puppy-proof one room, buy a crate, and pick up the same food they’re currently eating to avoid tummy upsets.
Day 1–2: Arrival
Keep the world small. One quiet room, a cosy bed, and plenty of gentle reassurance. Expect a little whining at night — it passes.
Day 3–4: Routine
Begin a feeding and potty schedule. Puppies thrive on predictability. Reward every outdoor toilet trip like they’ve won an award.
Day 5–7: Gentle exposure
Introduce new sounds, surfaces, and (vaccination-permitting) a few trusted friends. Positive early experiences build a confident adult.
The first vet visit
Book a wellness check within the first week. Bring the health records your breeder provided — and don’t hesitate to lean on our 10-day vet guidance.